Organize information by main idea
Key Notes :
Well-organized writing is easier for the reader to understand. Part of what makes for well-organized writing is having a clear and consistent focus for each section, from an individual paragraph to an entire chapter.
Throughout the writing process—whether you are brainstorming, drafting or revising—think carefully about which sections are needed to develop your topic. When you want to incorporate a piece of information, such as an idea, quote or fact, consider whether it is relevant to your topic and which section it relates to most closely.
Before becoming the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan acted as the Director of Health in the Hong Kong Government.
In an essay about the WHO, this information would fit better in a section about the WHO’s history than in a section about the WHO’s purpose.
Learn with an example
🔔 A student is writing an essay about the writer Isabel Allende. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.
The first piece of information discusses a member of Allende’s family, so it fits best in the Family section.
Isabel Allende’s uncle, who was assassinated, was the president of Chile.
The second piece of information describes Allende’s humanitarian contributions, so it fits best in the Influence section.
Isabel Allende’s non-profit foundation supports organisations that fight for the rights of women and girls.
The third piece of information lists books Allende has written, so it fits best in the Books section.
She has written magical realism novels, such as The House of Spirits, and memoirs, such as Paula.
🔔 A food writer is writing a recipe for making mango salsa. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.
The first piece of information describes how the writer presents the dish, so it fits best in the Presentation section.
I like to place the salsa in a decorative bowl in the centre of a platter and spread tortilla chips evenly around the bowl.
The second piece of information explains how to tell if a mango is ripe, so it fits best in the Choosing the right produce section.
A mango’s colour doesn’t indicate ripeness, but a ripe mango gives slightly when it is squeezed gently.
The third piece of information discusses a step in the process of preparing the salsa, so it fits best in the Preparation Steps section.
Wear gloves while deseeding the jalapeño pepper—exposure to the seeds may cause an adverse reaction in some people.
🔔 An organiser for a 5K race is creating a poster. Read the piece of information in each row, then select the section where it fits best.
The first piece of information describes where the race takes place, so it fits best in the Location section.
The designated route begins at the entrance to the park.
The second piece of information identifies who may run in the race, so it fits best in the Participants section.
All members of the community are welcome to race; the route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The third piece of information explains how to register, so it fits best in the Registration section.
Your application and entrance fee must be submitted by 15 April.
let’s practice!
